Dayton Public Schools granted $10.25M to help struggling district schools

Dayton Public Schools has been awarded a $10.25 million to boost six of the district's lowest-performing schools.

Cleveland and Columbus were the only other public school districts in Ohio to receive the competitive School Improvement Grants, according to the Ohio Department of Education.

The grants provide funding the next four school years.

Superintendent Rhonda Corr spotlighted uses for the funding, including increased staff training, better coaching for teachers and a better parent support-and-involvement system.

The schools receiving grants are three elementaries in Meadowdale, Edison and Louise Troy; two middle schools in E.J. Brown and Wogaman, plus Belmont High School. All received F's in achievement on last year's state report card, while student growth scores ranged from and A to D, according to state education department.

Only Priority Schools -- those ranking in the lowest 5 percent in student academic performance statewide -- are eligible for the grants.

Five other DPS schools in that category were not awarded funding. They are Belle Haven, Fairview, Westwood, Longfellow and Meadowdale High School. All priority schools receive assistance from the education department’s state support team.